M2M benefits for transport, logistics industries

The transport and logistics industry could improve their operation systems should they consider entering the telemetry market and embracing Machine-to-Machine (M2M) technology, writes Greg Hatfield, GM: products and solutions at MTN Business South Africa.
The steady growth of the M2M industry has been triggered by the need to improve operation systems and delivery of services in a manner that would catapult the industry into the next level of quality assurance.
This can be achieved through, and not limited to, tracking goods in transit, monitoring and maintaining vehicle and driver safety, as well as increasing the reliability and efficiency of fleets especially given the recent spate of accidents in the transportation industry.
The success of the recent MTN Business Mind2Machine Challenge highlights some of the opportunities available for various industries to save on operational costs and to capitalise on potential growth. Entrepreneur Moses Joseph Mayimela emerged as one of the winners of the challenge through his prototype monitoring system that allows for the tracking of perishable and non-perishable goods that are being stored in fridges and transported by vehicles over long distances.
The system provides an early warning prompt to help ensure that the goods arrive to their intended destinations in good condition.
According to Frost & Sullivan, South Africa’s vehicle telematics will grow at a yearly rate of 12,5% from 2014 to 2021, with the telematics market penetration projected to reach 17% by 2018.
While KPMG states that technology is not embraced in the logistics space in South Africa and this is one of the challenges facing the industry. The company advises that measures should be put in place to strengthen the links in the logistics where there are deficiencies.
If embraced and implemented properly, M2M has numerous abilities to provide South African fleet managers with useful information regarding fuel usage, routing, and vehicle diagnostics, thereby saving fuel, lengthening vehicle lifespan and increasing efficiency – all of which reduce operating expense.
These are some of the benefits, but M2M technology can do more than that for industries across the board.
More specifically, M2M can optimise the logistics of planning the routes of trucks and the different deliveries a fleet must accomplish, ensuring that the loads are transported in a timely manner with the fewest kilometres driven.
Fleet managers can also monitor vehicle performance and handle vehicle maintenance scheduling, ensuring that all vehicles are being driven in good condition and reducing maintenance costs and breakdowns.
MTN Business encourages transport and logistics businesses to earnestly consider embracing M2M technology holistically in order to compete in the tough economic conditions and be competitive.
With the continent attracting international investment interest, the spotlight continues to be on the Machine-to-Machine solutions that drive sustainable growth and capitalise on the power of a bold new digital world.
MTN Business’ tailored offerings are in line with the company’s strategic intent of refining traditional product offering as well as actively developing new opportunities to ensure that MTN continues to inspire and enable the growth of its clients.